Water Reuse Policy

In 2022, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) introduced a comprehensive Water Use and Conservation Policy as part of its Sustainability Strategic Plan 2030. This policy, under the Sustainable Campus pillar, aims to maximize water reuse and diversify water resource management by strengthening the use of treated water, rainwater, and reservoir water (Sustainability Strategic Plan 2030, p.36). Through continuous monitoring of water quality and responsible consumption practices, UKM strives to optimize water use efficiency while reducing pollution risks. In line with this policy, the university has successfully implemented water reuse initiatives, including the repurposing of treated water from residential colleges and faculty facilities such as the Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment Lake, which serves as a water catchment area for landscape irrigation across the campus, reinforcing UKM’s commitment to sustainable water stewardship.

UKM Sustainability Strategic Plan 2030

  • Policy Created: 2022
  • Policy Reviewed: 2025
SDG 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation (ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all)

Access to clean water and sanitation is vital for health and development, yet over 2.2 billion people still lack safely managed drinking water. Furthermore, more than 4.2 billion lack access to adequate sanitation facilities, leading to severe health risks and environmental degradation. The impacts of climate change, urbanization, and pollution exacerbate these issues, with a large proportion of wastewater going untreated. Goal 6 of the Sustainable Development Goals calls for urgent, collective action to ensure that everyone can access safe water and sanitation by 2030.

Key Points on SDG 6

  1. Universal Access: Achieving universal access to safe drinking water and sanitation is essential for health and well-being. Currently, 2.2 billion people face challenges accessing clean water, and 4.2 billion lack adequate sanitation facilities, contributing to widespread health crises.
  2. Health Risks: Insufficient water and sanitation lead to diseases such as cholera and dysentery, particularly affecting vulnerable populations like children and the elderly.
  3. Environmental Challenges: Climate change intensifies water scarcity and alters water quality, while urbanization increases pollution and demand on limited resources.
  4. Treatment of Wastewater: Treating wastewater is crucial for protecting ecosystems and public health, yet a significant amount goes untreated, resulting in contamination of water bodies.
  5. Global Commitment: SDG 6 emphasizes the need for global cooperation and investment to improve water and sanitation infrastructure, aiming for sustainable management by 2030.
SDG 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation

Source: https://sdgs.un.org/topics/water-and-sanitation
Source: https://www.ukm.my/kelestarian/sdgukm/sdg-6/